The number of lone pairs and the number of S—S bonds in molecules are respectively: — p Block Elements Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

# Structure of $S_8$ Molecule **Step 1: Determine the structure of $S_8$** Sulfur atoms form a cyclic ring structure with 8 sulfur atoms arranged in a crown-like conformation. Each sulfur is bonded to exactly two adjacent sulfur atoms via single S—S bonds. **Step 2: Count S—S bonds** In a cyclic arrangement of 8 atoms where each atom bonds to 2 neighbors: $$\text{Number of S—S bonds} = 8$$ This is because we have a closed ring: $S_1-S_2-S_3-S_4-S_5-S_6-S_7-S_8-S_1$ **Step 3: Count lone pairs on each sulfur** Each sulfur atom: - Forms 2 single bonds with adjacent sulfur atoms (uses 2 electrons) - Has 6 valence electrons total - Remaining electrons: $6 - 2 = 4$ electrons = **2 lone pairs per sulfur atom** **Step 4: Calculate total lone pairs** $$\text{Total lone pairs} = 8 \text{ S atoms} \times 2 \text{ lone pairs per atom} = 16 \text{ lone pairs}$$ **Answer: 16 lone pairs and 8 S—S bonds** This corresponds to **option B** (assuming it states: 16 lone pairs, 8 bonds).